Celia wanders in, picks up a piece of bacon, frowns, and puts it down again. “Beer for breakfast it is!” she says and heads to the porch to the beer chests.
We wait until she’s gone.
“Nobody seems to know,” Marietta says. “Should we keep it that way?”
“Whatever makes you comfortable,” I tell her. She dries her hands and pushes her sleeves up her arms. Strangely, just showing that much extra skin sets me off, and I consider hauling her over my shoulder and going back to the room.
No, she’s sore. She said so.
“Iron Jack asked me to tell you he’d like the women to stay if they can be convinced. But if they want to go back, he’ll let them.”
“I hope not,” Marietta says.
“I agree. But we’re not keeping them prisoners. Just giving them a place if they want it. The nurse came and said they weren’t in any danger.”
She nods. “They were up and around when I took them breakfast. One of them puked a lot during the night.” She shudders. “I got it handled.”
They sure are putting a lot on her.
“How about you come with me to the bar this afternoon? I can say I need you for the shift.”
“Could I?”
“Sure. When’s class?”
“I’m not going. Two-Shit actually suggested I not go if I could help it. Jenna will take notes for me.”
“Okay. Just for today. You can’t be skipping class.” I lean in. “Or I will have to punish you.”
Her eyes flash up to me. “I might like that.”
“I thought so.”
The back door creaks, so I step away. “You might want to let Iron Jack know what they say.”
Betz slams the door. “Who says what?”
“The women from the other club,” Marietta says. “Iron Jack wants them to stay if they will. I’m supposed to talk to them.”
“Well, get on it,” Betz says. “After you clean that pan.”
Time for my quick exit. I head for the front door. “I’ll be back for you at two,” I tell Marietta.
“Okay,” she says, purposefully dulling her enthusiasm, like it’s a big chore.
Good girl.
We’ll get some privacy before what we’ve done goes public.
CHAPTER 31
MARIETTA
Itext the girls first thing after Merrick leaves the club, telling them the news.
Me: We did it. We did it!
Jenna: Are you serious? When? Last night?
